Jen’s Gem:  You can trust God to walk with you.

Last weekend my daughter graduated from college. It was one of the proudest moments of my life. Seeing her name in the program before the ceremony even started was enough to pull out the stash of tissues I had in my purse in preparation for the inevitable sob fest.

I gushed about the event on social media proclaiming her many achievements over her academic career – too many to note here but suffice it to say there were a lot. She’s a smart cookie and has worked hard. It didn’t come easy, but it came.

Forty-eight hours after graduation was her first day at her new job. Having been an intern for a bit, she was offered full-time employment and is  officially an adult. The phone calls I receive now are no longer about which classes to take or if I can Zelle her money, but rather “What is short-term disability insurance and how much do I put into my 401K?

These questions mark the end of an era – the end of the hands on parenting I’ve grown accustomed to for 20+ years. My son who is a few years older has  also been “adulting” for some time and no longer in need of daily oversight for which I suspect he is grateful.

It’s a time for a transition for all of us as we navigate the doors that are opening and closing in this season.  Identities are changing and who we were is no longer who we are. Titles we once held on to no longer describe who we are.

Transition times can be painful as we long for the comfort of the past, but desire to step into the future. For a time, our feet are in two places as we try to take that leap of faith into our new identity accepting that all that we have done prior has led us to and has prepared us for now.

I suspect this is how Jesus’ disciples must’ve felt after He left them and ascended into heaven. Their daily reliance on His physical presence was replaced by the gift and guidance of the Holy Spirit given to them on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-13)

They were leaving behind their title of “student” and stepping into the title of “teacher.”

“What would Jesus do?” is likely the question they asked themselves as they went about sharing the Gospel. They certainly were well prepared given all of the time they spent with Jesus listening to Him teach, preach, and watching Him heal thousands.

The Bible tells us that they went out boldly to all the nations. Never once do we read that the apostles were timid, unsure of themselves, doubting their abilities. Not once. Why should they? They were armed with God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.

They also had each other and as their church family grew, they had many others to rely on for help when needed. They did not go it alone and they were able to do mighty works.

This is the recipe we need as well as we embrace new seasons and walk through new doors.
God’s Word. The Holy Spirit. Each other.

I’ve done all I can to prepare my kids to step into adulthood but that doesn’t mean I step

 aside and leave them to fend for themselves. I am still here ready to assist them, counsel and coach them, and most importantly, love them just as God does for us.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) and “I will not leave you as orphans” (John 14:18) the Bible tells us.

If you are getting ready to step through a new door, take God with you. Leave the past behind and step boldly into all God has called you to do!